The Border Management Authority (BMA) has successfully processed 663 Ghanaian nationals for repatriation from South Africa to Ghana through OR Tambo International Airport in a coordinated operation conducted over the weekend.
BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the operation was facilitated through the Port Management Committee (PMC), which brings together various government stakeholders responsible for ensuring the lawful and orderly movement of people through ports of entry.
The first phase of the operation took place on Saturday, 6 June 2026, when 332 Ghanaian nationals were transported to OR Tambo International Airport by the Ghanaian High Commission in Pretoria for repatriation.
Following check-in procedures, travellers underwent verification and clearance by BMA Immigration officials. Of those processed, 170 travelled on ordinary Ghanaian passports, while 162 used Emergency Travel Certificates issued by the Ghanaian High Commission to facilitate their return home.
During the verification process, immigration officials found that 321 travellers had overstayed their permitted period of stay in South Africa by more than 30 days. They were subsequently declared undesirable in terms of the Immigration Act.
At the conclusion of processing, 323 passengers were cleared for departure and boarded a chartered flight arranged by the Government of Ghana through its High Commission in Pretoria.
Nine passengers, however, were prevented from boarding. These included two couples and their five children after two members of the group were declared medically unfit to travel by airline personnel. Airport paramedics assisted the affected travellers and transferred them to the airport clinic for further medical attention.
A second repatriation operation was conducted on Sunday, 7 June 2026, involving a further 331 Ghanaian nationals.
Among those processed were 117 travellers using ordinary Ghanaian passports and 90 travelling on Emergency Travel Certificates. Immigration officials also processed 37 minor children born in South Africa who were travelling on emergency travel documentation.
In addition, 25 asylum seekers voluntarily withdrew their asylum applications before being processed for departure.
During immigration checks, 170 travellers were found to have overstayed their authorised period of stay and were declared undesirable under South African immigration laws.
At the conclusion of the operation, 341 passengers, including 10 deportees transferred from the Lindela Holding Facility by the Department of Home Affairs, were cleared to leave South Africa. One traveller failed to check in, while the remaining 340 passengers boarded a chartered flight that departed at 09:30.
Masiapato said the operation demonstrated effective cooperation between the Government of Ghana and South African authorities responsible for migration management and border security.
“The successful processing of these repatriation movements reflects the importance of coordinated efforts between foreign missions and South African authorities,” Masiapato said.
“Such cooperation contributes to effective migration management while ensuring compliance with the country’s immigration laws.”
The commissioner commended the Port Management Committee and all officials involved in the operation and encouraged foreign missions to continue working closely with South African authorities to facilitate lawful repatriation processes.
